POTSDAM — Clarkson University will host 470 incoming students today at its largest open house in 20 years. Last year, 370 students attended.
The daylong introduction to Clarkson will include campus tours, an activity fair and special sessions with advisers.
Applications to Clarkson also have hit a 20-year high, at 3,100. That is an 8 percent increase over last year and a 20 percent improvement over three years ago.
"We are thrilled by the increase. It shows great momentum for the institution," said Kelly O. Chezum, assistant to the president for strategic advancement. "Word is getting out about what good career preparation Clarkson offers."
Ms. Chezum called the open house an "open shopping platform" where students can learn about everything from research opportunities to student organizations, as well as receive help choosing a major.
In addition, 68 women attended the GE Women's Leadership Program at the college Friday and studied leadership skills and career opportunities. The women stayed overnight with female Clarkson students and will attend today's open house.
"It's really indicative of where Clarkson is headed in its evolution," Ms. Chezum said. "Clarkson is a unique research institution that has terrific opportunities for students — as undergrads, you get to work with world-class faculty from day one. We also have the idealism of connecting research to humanity, which plays into that as well."
She credited Clarkson's new institutional master plan and the construction of the environmentally conscious Technology Advancement Center for creating more interest in the university.
The college has also been attracting students from a broader swath of the country, as it builds its reputation of preparing students for careers and getting them into the work force soon after graduation — even under threat of recession, Ms. Chezum said.
Clarkson also recently updated its Web site to include campus videos and prominent features aimed at prospective students, including links to chat with admissions counselors and a quiz to help undecided students choose a program of study.
